• By using a garden hose you can easily create the desired shape for your basin.
   
• It is important that you make sure your Pondless basin design does not exceed the amount of liner that you have in your Pondless Waterfall Kit.
   
• Be sure to position the BioFalls waterfall unit so that it gives you maximum viewing pleasure.
   
• Once you have made a decision on the shape for your basin, use a can of orange upside down construction spray paint and outline the shape (around the hose) on the grass or dirt.

• The position of the Filter can seriously make or break you feature, so be sure it's facing your main viewing area.
   
• If possible, we recommend placing the BIOFALLS six or eight feet from the basin, to create a short stream to meander between your waterfall and your Pondless basin.

• Save time and money by eliminating the need to dig a trench! Simply lay out the PVC flex pipe along your stream and the edge of your basin, before excavation.
   
• Should you decide to trench for the plumbing, dig the trench deep enough to cover the pipe with a few inches of soil, to benefit your plantings.
   
• In a perfect world the PVC flex pipe should be on a slight decline from the BIOFALLS to the Snorkel for ease of annual cleaning.

• First off, before leveling the BioFalls unit, install the two bulkheads into the back of the BIOFALLS filter. The unit is predrilled with two openings on the back allowing you several plumbing options
  1. For single pump installation, glue your PVC flex pipe to one of the bulkhead fittings, and simply cap the other bulkhead (fitting included in the Pondless Waterfall kit).
  2. For two pump installation, attach both PVC flex pipes, one to each bulkhead.
   
• Drain Kit option- A drain kit can be attached to the second bulkhead fitting on single pump installation applications. The drain kit allows you the ability to perform water changes more easily and makes your annual cleaning of the filter much easier.

• Install the bulkhead fittings in the predrilled holes provided in the back of the BIOFALLS. The rubber washer should be located on the inside of the BIOFALLS and the plastic washer on the outside. First, hand tighten the nut on the outside and then finish with a large pair of channel lock pliers until the rubber washer begins to bulge. This should only be approximately one full turn past hand tight. Beware of over tightening the nut, which could possibly crack the bulkhead. Note that the bulkhead fitting is reverse threaded. In other words, turn the nut counterclockwise to tighten it.
   
• You can install the PVC MPT (Male Pipe Thread) to slip fitting into the desired bulkhead to receive the pump plumbing. The PVC plug fitting is provided and can be installed in the second bulkhead fitting if it is not going to be utilized. We recommend using some of the silicone sealant included in your Pondless Waterfall Kit or Teflon tape (not included) to coat the threads of the fittings, in order to provide a watertight seal. SKIPPING THIS STEP, IS A COMMON DO-IT-YOURSELFER MISTAKE.

• Once this is complete, it's time to position the BIOFALLS in the desired location.
   
• We recommend setting The BIOFALLS at or slightly below the grade of the yard. Remove a section of sod if needed or just a few inches of soil in order to create a firm foundation for the BIOFALLS to sit.
  DESIGNER TIP- Don't build a volcano waterfall, keep the waterfall to the scale of the yard. Your goal should be to create the illusion that Mother Nature herself has installed the waterfall.

• When raising the BIOFALLS up four or five feet high in a perfectly flat backyard. The area beneath the BIOFALLS box must be compacted thoroughly by using a hand tamper. This will help prevent the filter box from possibly settling in the future.

• Use a two-foot bubble level in order to make sure your BIOFALLS is properly set into position. It is important that your BIOFALLS be level from side to side and tilted forward at ¼ of a bubble on a 2' level. This will ensure the water comes over the front of the BIOFALLS and covers the entire spillway.
   

Gluing the Flexible PVC Pipe:

• Now the filter is ready for the flexible PVC to be primered and glued into place using the PVC cement you will find in you Pondless Kit, specified for use with flexible piping.
   
• Prime both the inside of the PVC fitting and the outside of the pipe where the flexible PVC cement will be applied.

• After priming is complete, apply the specific PVC cement to the fitting and the PVC pipe and fit the two pieces together, turning slightly as you push them together.
   
• It is recommended that you hold the pipe into the fitting for at least 60 seconds to allow the glue to set.
   
• Wait approximately 10-15 minutes to let the glue completely set before you begin to backfill the filter with soil and bury the connection.
   
• Before backfilling around the filter, you should install the support racks. Otherwise, you may not be able to get them into place after the soil has been tamped around the sides.
   
• It is also recommend that someone stand inside the filter box to keep it level and in place and while it's being backfilled and tamped.
   
• The excavated soil from the Pondless basin can be backfilled around the sides and back of the BIOFALLS filter. Tamp the soil during backfilling in order to reduce settling. Any additional soil can be spread around the far side of the pondless feature in order to create a planting bed for perennials and annuals.
   
• Take the extra time to double check and make sure the BIOFALLS is still level after installing the plumbing.

• This is one of the more labor-intense tasks, so pace yourself and get some friends and family to help you.
   
• We don't suggest excavating the basin more than 24 inches deep. At this depth it will provide the proper water volume in the basin to operate your waterfall and a short meandering stream

• All of the soil removed from the excavation should be spread and compacted around the BIOFALLS filter. The filter box should be completely surrounded by soil by the end of the excavation.

ON LEVELING

• While excavating, it is important to make sure that all of the edges around the basin are level. This will help you to avoid any unexpected low edges. There are several different tools methods that you can use to level, depending on the resources that are available to you. The most accurate method is a transit, either sight or laser. Take several readings around the perimeter of your basin. Transits can be rented or bought, however, may not be the most practical option for a one-time installation. The two other commonly used options that utilize household items and may be more convenient.

1. You can take a standard straight 2x4 board and lay it across the basin with the two foot level, you used with the BioFalls, on the center. The level will prove if the two sides are even, and all the edges can be measured in the same way, by altering the angle of the board across the pondless basin.
2. You can use a line level. A line level is basically a small bubble level that can be attached to the end of a string. The other end of the string should then be attached to a stake that is placed at any point around the perimeter of your basin. The level can then be walked around the edges of the basin and readings are taken at several different locations to ensure the sides are even. Remember, that your basin does not have to be perfectly level, but general readings should be taken to avoid any major mistakes.

• Once your excavation is complete remove any sharp objects from the hole that could possibly damage the liner.
   
• Then unfold the Geo-textile Underlayment fabric and place it into your excavated Pondless Waterfall basin. Start at the bottom of the basin and remove the slack from the Underlayment; making sure it conforms to your basin.

• Now it is time to install the EPDM liner on top of the Underlayment.
   
• This installation process is the same as the Underlayment, remember to start at the bottom and contour the liner up and out of the Pondless Waterfall basin.
   
• Try to remove the large fold, but the main goal is to make sure that it's lying flat and going into all corners. It is not necessary to get it perfect - you will be hiding the liner with rocks and gravel soon.
   
• Be sure the liner is high enough around the edges of the basin. This won't be a problem provided you measured out the Pondless Basin and excavated it correctly. Problem edges can be fixed easily by readjusting the liner into the excavation, and backfilling (making the basin smaller) in areas where there is not enough liner, or by simply buying a larger liner.

• Once the underlayment and liner is in place Position the Micro Snorkel and Micro Centipede into the proper spot at the bottom of the basin, of course on top of the liner. We have placed large drainage pipe in the bottom to help reduce the amount of rock used.

Step 8 Install Rock and Gravel Rocking in the Pondless Waterfall

• We use 2 inch to 3 inch size of ugly gravel to fill the Pondless basin up to within a few inches from the top. A finishing layer of decorative gravel should be added to the top few inches.
   
• Now set larger boulders (6 to 18 inches) around the perimeter of the basin to support the edges of the basin. The PVC flexible plumbing from the filter should be brought over a slightly lowered edge of the liner and to the location of the Pondless Snorkel Vault. Accent boulders and gravel will be used to hide the plumbing.

Step 9 Rinsing the Rocks and Gravel

• With a garden hose, rinse the rocks and gravel
   
• Place a clean-out pump or the pump purchased with the pondless kit in the bottom of the Snorkel. Use a discharge hose or an extra section of PVC Flex pipe to pump the muddy water out of the basin. This step helps the pondless feature clear up faster.

• The flexible PVC pipe from the Filter can be cut to the proper length and inserted through the precut slot on the side of the Pondless Snorkel Vault. Be sure to prime and glue the end of the PVC flex pipe and fitting on the end of the check valve assembly. While gluing, remember to hold the pipe into the fitting for at least 60 seconds to allow the glue to set up. The cord from your Aquascape pump can be buried just beneath the stone and gravel and run over to the electrical outlet.

Step 11 Fill Pond/Basin with Water

• Begin to fill up the Pondless basin with water. It is typically filled up to just below the decorative gravel.

• You will need to do a little preparation work before building your dream waterfall. It is recommended that you go to the library or buy a stream and waterfall book and read about Stream and Waterfall Construction, that is if you plan on creating them.

Installing the Filter Waterfall Snout

• You have two options when attaching the lip for the  Filter:
  1. The reversible waterfall snout can be attached facing outward. This method is recommended for first time installers providing a solid ledge cantilevering off the front of the Filter to build the waterfall's spillway.
  2. The reversible waterfall snout can also be attached facing inward. This method allows more creativity when constructing the waterfalls allowing the designer a flat unobstructed BIOFALLS filter face for placing large boulders on the left and right side of the unit.

• Prior to installing the waterfall snout make sure the face of the BIOFALLS and liner is clean, and free of dust and debris. Use a damp towel to clean both surfaces.

• Hold the liner up against the face of the  filter, covering the U-shape spillway opening. Be sure to leave slack at the base of the filter to avoid stretching the liner when rocks are stacked to build the waterfalls.
  NOTE: Ignore this step if you are installing the waterfall snout outward and proceed to the next step.
   
• For inward installation you will need to cut two vertical slits into the liner along the left and right side of the opening. The flap of liner can simply fall into the inside of the BIOFALLS filter when attaching the waterfall snout.
   
• Temporarily install the waterfall snout and liner to the BIOFALLS filter loosely with the two top corner screws and one center screw below the waterfall snout. Using an awl or nail, poke the first hole through the waterfall snout and liner penetrating into the corresponding threaded insert on the BIOFALLS filter. Remove the awl or nail while holding the waterfall snout and liner in place, and begin threading one of the screws into the filter. Repeat this process for the screw on the opposite side. When installing the waterfall snout inward we recommend installing a third temporary screw at the center most screw hole along the bottom.

• Now remove the waterfall snout trying to keep the screws still penetrating through the liner. These screws will serve as your guide when reinstalling the waterfall snout.
   
• Apply a thick bead of fish-safe silicone sealant around the BIOFALLS opening. The bead should follow the path of the threaded inserts (connect the dots).

• Reattach the BIOFALLS waterfall snout using the pre-installed screws as your guide. We recommend threading the lower center one first when installing the waterfall snout in the inward direction.
   
• With all temporary screws secured back into position, you may now install. Punch the remaining screw holes with the awl or nail and thread in the remaining screws.

• Outward waterfall snout position will require the liner to be trimmed back at this point.
   
• Let dry for at least 1 hour before introducing water.
  Filter Media
   
• Filter media is not included with the Pondless Waterfall unit. The aggregate in the basin provides a much larger surface area for bacteria to grow than the filter media do.
  Rock Tray
   
• The BIOFALLS filter comes with an upper support rack that also serves as an easy way to help disguise the filter into the landscape using small boulders, aquatic plant, and gravel. Arrange the stones, gravel and plants in the rack in such a way as to hide the back and top of the filter.
   
• The rack sits in the upper portion of the BIOFALLS.
  Creating the Waterfall
   
• Place two larger boulders on either side of the waterfalls you are creating in order to "frame the waterfalls. The water will be running between the two larger boulders you've set in place.

• You can now begin to stack the rocks between the two larger boulders. These are the rocks that the water will be running over, so take your time and be creative. Start with the larger rocks on the bottom and work your way up to the smaller ones on top.
   
• Small stones and gravel can be used to fill in the gaps between the larger waterfall's stones.

• The BIOFALLS is designed with a plastic lip for the water to cascade off. You can use the BIOFALLS plastic waterfall stone or even piece(s) of thin (no more than ¾ thick) natural slate.
• This stone can be attached to the BIOFALLS using black waterfall foam. The black waterfall foam will come in handy when filling other gaps between the stones that water is flowing over. The foam keeps the water flowing over the top of the waterfall stones. Without the black waterfall foam, you may lose some of the impact of your waterfall as water travels beneath the rocks.

• Place smaller rocks on the rock ledge inside the MicroFalls to help hide it in the landscape. The rock tray inside the BIOFALLS filter will help disguise the rest of the unit into the landscape.

  Waterfall Lights
   

• After the boulders are in position, set your waterfall accent lights. The Lights can be placed beneath the waterfalls shining upwards. See lighting system instructions for placement, positioning and installation of waterfall lights.

Building the Stream
 
• Placing the BIOFALLS filter away from the edge of the pond is always a good idea. This allows the creation of a meandering stream to add a touch of nature to your water garden.
   
• We typically place the BIOFALLS filter 6-10 feet from the edge of the pond. Twisting and turning the stream makes it look more natural, and will require a minimum of 10'x15' piece of liner.
  Excavation of the Stream
   
• Lay out the stream from the BIOFALLS filter to the pond. The typical width of a stream should be between 2-4 feet wide (NOTE: the wider the stream, the less movement of water you will have). Vary the width of the stream throughout to mimic what would occur in nature.

• Excavate the stream to a depth of 6 inches to 1 foot. Vary the depth in the corners and in smaller pools along the run of the stream to allow water to pool in those areas.
   
• If your stream is being built on a slope, you will need to create a few waterfalls in it. To hold the water back when the pump is shut off, you need to build a check dam at each waterfall.
   
• To make the stream look much more natural, you should place some larger boulders into it. To make this work properly, excavate the area where the rock will be placed a few inches deeper. This will allow the rock to sit into the bottom of the stream, not just on the streambed.
   
• Once you have the stream excavated, you can place the liner into it.
  Installation of Liner and Rocks
   
• Connect the liner to the BIOFALLS filter as described above.
   
• Where the liner overlaps the pond, you will not need to seam the liners together as long as you have a 6 inch waterfall or higher. Simply overlap the stream liner over the top of the pond liner.
   
• Place rocks of varying sizes around the perimeter of the stream. During excavation of the stream, you dug a few areas where larger rocks will go. Put some of the Black Waterfall Foam into these divots and place the rocks on top. The foam will allow the water to b diverted around and over the rocks instead of underneath them.

• Add topsoil to the berm and surrounding area in order to provide a good substrate for future landscape plantings.
   
• The entire area may be mulched and any plant material installed if necessary.
  
   

• Finish off the berm where the BIOFALLS is buried by building a small retaining wall out of boulders. This step may or may not be needed, depending on the size of the berm and the transition into the existing landscape.

Step 15 Plug in and Tweak the Waterfalls

• As soon as the Pondless water feature is filled and all of the black waterfalls foam is dry (if used on project), you may plug the pump in and test the waterfall.
   
• You can "tweak
• the waterfall by placing smaller stones and gravel on the waterfall cascades. This will change the appearance and sound of the water. Have fun playing with the water coming over the falls until you achieve the desired effect.

• With everything running, go around the perimeter of the pond with a pair of scissors and trim off any excess liner, always leaving several inches above the water level as a precaution. The remaining liner edges can be covered with gravel.
  Note: Do not trim the liner until the waterfall is running and the pond is filled to the desired level. Prematurely trimming the liner may cause leaks.

• The entire area surrounding the pond can now be mulched and any surrounding plants added.

• You're at the final stages of the project! All that is needed now is to clean up the mess you've made around the yard

• Refer to the following pages in the instruction booklet for care and maintenance of your new water feature.
   
• The Signature Series Pondless Waterfall kits include water treatments designed to reduce maintenance and keep the water crystal clear. Contact your installer or supplier for more information on the complete water treatment line available from Aquascape Designs.

• No further explanation needed for this step!